What are the top 3 worst-case NFL draft scenarios for the Miami Dolphins? We break it down

The Dolphins have run their share of mock drafts and always — almost always? — end up with one or two players they really like looking at them at No. 21.

Everyone knows the Dolphins could use a guard, tackle, guard/tackle or edge rusher in the first round and perhaps the second, too.

Oh, sure, one could argue for a receiver or a safety or tight end.

But Miami's got needs. And they need a player who can play right away.

Without a third- or fourth-round pick, Miami really needs to hit on their picks at No. 21 and No. 55.

And, yes, general manager Chris Grier will listen to calls to move back. Slightly.

There have been times when a player Grier really liked — running back JK Dobbins comes to mind — was taken just one spot ahead of their draft slot.

That must be really annoying.

So Miami will hope for a bit of luck on Thursday and Friday.

Slide on down!

But what if luck is not forever in their favor?

Here are three worst-case scenarios for the Dolphins:

Worst-Case Scenario 1 for Miami Dolphins: Plug-and-play OL gone

There are some really good offensive linemen that most people think will be gone before 21. That includes Joe Alt, JC Latham, Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Taliese Fuaga and Troy Fautanu. This may also be the case for Graham Barton and Jackson Powers-Johnson. Any of those guys can plug in at either guard or tackle in 2024 for Miami and maybe play one of those spots in 2025. It seems likely at least one of those players is available at 21. But if they're all gone, jeepers. Amarius Mims and Tyler Guyton are talented but may need a bit of seasoning.

Worst-Case Scenario 2 for Miami Dolphins: Their top rushers gone

I don't know how Miami ranks edge rushers Laiatu Latu, Jared Verse, Chop Robinson and Darius Robinson or defensive tackle penetrators Byron Murphy or Johnny Newton. At least one or two of these guys figures to be available at 21. But if the one or two available are not the one or two incoming defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver is a fan of for scheme and game film reasons, that would be a bummer to Grier and company. They'll be quietly cheering for one of the impact rushers they believe in to slip, slide down to 21.

Worst-Case Scenario 3 for Miami Dolphins: No trading partner

Let's say, hypothetically, Miami has fingers crossed that Troy Fautanu, Olumuyiwa Fashanu, JC Latham, Taliese Fuaga, Byron Murphy or Brian Thomas Jr., somehow makes it to them. Now let's say none does. Grier might be quite willing to move back three, five or seven spots in exchange for an additional pick. Now let's say Miami's cellphone batteries die and the landlines go out. Just kidding. Let's say nobody is interested. Same scenario at No. 55 for Miami. A worst-case scenario is always making a pick you're not overly thrilled about because, well, you're stuck. It's certainly possible.

Dolphins NFL draft picks: List of selections in 2024

• Round 1, Pick 21

• Round 2, Pick 55

• Round 5, Pick 158

• Round 6, Pick 184 (from Chicago)

• Round 6, Pick 198

• Round 7, Pick 241

Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schad

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins NFL draft: Here are the three worst-case scenarios